Indonesia to start joint maritime patrols this year

BINTANGNEWS.com –Indonesia plans to
start implementing coordinated patrols with the Philippines and Malaysia this
year as part of efforts to step up maritime defense in regional waters amid the
risks of piracy and hostage-taking.

The Indonesian Navy
is currently drafting the routes for the joint patrols, which would stretch to
the piracy-prone waters of the Sulu Sea, to realize the trilateral maritime
agreement signed by the three countries in August. Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu
said on Tuesday.

"I believe we
can start the coordinated patrols this year. I will meet the Malaysian defense
minister in the near future [to further discuss the plan]," Ryamizard told
journalists.

Aside from drafting
the coordinated patrols routes, the Navy is also mulling the safest routes for
commercial ships to use in the area, especially those traveling back and forth
among the three countries. Safe routes are important in order to prevent any
hijacking and hostage-taking taking place again in the future, he added.

The trilateral
maritime agreement, signed by the Indonesian, Philippine and Malaysian defense
ministers during a ministerial meeting in Bali, is aimed at strengthening
regional cooperation to overcome security challenges in the countries’ maritime
border areas, which have been beset by threats in recent months. At least nine
Indonesians are still being held captive by Philippine militants from the Abu
Sayyaf group who have demanded ransoms in exchange for the hostages.***